McLaren F1 GTR ‘Long Tail’ Privateer Race Car up for Sale in Japan

For those whose cash reserves have not been completely depleted by the current global recession, a very special car is currently up for sale in Japan via Wintel. This car is one of ten long-tail McLaren F1 GTRs built especially for the 1997 FIA GT season.

From the history, the F1 GTR first hit the track in 1995 when a model barely removed from the roadgoing version raced to victory at Le Mans. Mercedes-Benz and Porsche had seen the writing on the wall by 1997, and combined with the series’ updated rules, had created their own competitors, including the CLK-GTR and the 911 GT1. McLaren’s 97 F1 GTR had all-new bodywork with a longer nose and tail that reduced drag and dramatically increased downforce. Meanwhile, for this time, the new purpose-built Mercedes and Porsche cars were regularly outrunning the McLaren, although the latter did manage 197 mph on the Mulsanne straight at Le Mans. There is no indication of a price tag yet.